LaShawn Etheridge, a sophomore at Kalamazoo College, plans to do a research project on social justice and hunger after using a first-generation grant for an internship in Washington.

By Sara Lipka

Certain experiences can enrich a college education—if students
pursue them. Although first-generation students show greater gains
from "high impact" programs like study abroad and senior projects,
they are less likely to participate, according to a report
published in 2008 by the Association of American Colleges and
Universities.

Kalamazoo College is trying to make one such experience,
internships, more accessible. "The thinking was, for
first-generation students, ... it was